Saturday, August 16, 2008

Gus Updates

Well! What a week! I am pleased to report that Gus is adjusting very well (and quickly!) to his new surroundings.

He has learned how to go up steps! Today, he made it half-way up the main stairs before having to take a break. There sure are alot of steps in this house! And he has not learned the down part yet.

His crate training is also going very well. The key seems to be making sure he does not perceive his crate as punishment. Joe and I have been spending A LOT of time getting him to feel it is his safe and secure place where he can rest and relax. And it seems to be paying off:He hardly whines, too. He goes to bed around 10:30, sleeps till about 3:00 am, then after a quick trip outside, goes back to sleep (or quietly rests in his crate) until 6:00 or so. Very little fuss!

2 things stick out: 1. He eats or tries to chew EVERYTHING! Welcome to puppy-hood. 2. He is stubborn! He finds a leaf on the ground, you take it away, he makes a bee-line to find it the minute you set him down again. Even from across the yard.

He and Max are getting along pretty well too. They are close to actually playing!I think it won't be long before they are good friends.

2 Comments:

What a doll, Jeff! Those steps look enormous next to him! You're obviously the best parents this little guy could possibly have. And you'll see later - the crate will become his refuge....my daughter had a shep-lab girl puppy who was very nervous and she would shoot to her crate whenever the kids got too noisy or rambunctious.